Abbott Medical Optics has introduced a Micro-Implantation Cataract Suite designed to help improve cataract procedure outcomes and safety. The Micro-Implantation Cataract Suite enables the surgeon to perform an entire micro-surgical procedure, which can reduce surgically induced astigmatism, provide a safer intraoperative environment, and promote faster healing and visual recovery, AMO says.

This advanced form of cataract surgery is performed using a micro-incision, which is smaller and therefore may provide added patient safety. During the procedure, the cataract is removed through the micro-incision, and a foldable intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. 

The Micro-implantation Cataract Suite consists of five separate components, each designed to maximize the benefits of the micro-implantation procedure. The components include:
 
• The new Unfolder Platinum 1 Series Implantation System which enables micro-implantation of the Tecnis 1-Piece family of intraocular lenses;
 • The Tecnis 1-Piece family of intraocular IOLs which are implanted in a patient’s eye after the removal of the natural lens that has become clouded by a cataract;
 • Healon brand viscoelastics (Healon, Healon GV, Healon 5), clear ophthalmic viscosurgical device, trusted for more than 30 years for use as a surgical aid in cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation, corneal transplant and glaucoma filtration surgery;
 • Whitestar Signature Phacoemulsification System, a leading-edge technology ultrasonic device that emulsifies and extracts a cataractous lens using less heat and turbulence and fusion fluidics to optimize outcomes; and
 • Surgical accessories designed specifically for micro-implantation procedures.

For information, visit amo-inc.com.


Novozymes Showcases
Hyaluronic Acid
Novozymes Biopharma will be showcasing its hyaluronic acid product for eye care and ophthalmic drug delivery at June’s 2011 Joint Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Ophthalmology in Geneva, Switzerland. Novozymes will also present its latest scientific poster at the show, highlighting the results of the company’s recent study into the use of HA for ophthalmic formulation. For more information or to request a copy of the scientific poster, visit biopharma.novozymes.com.

The use of Novozymes Bacillus-derived HA in ophthalmic treatments confers moisturization properties and offers the ability to extend drug retention time, the company says. The product provides optimal viscosity profiles for convenient application and increased patient comfort and compliance while superior heat stability permits autoclaving without loss of product viscosity. The ingredient also has a dissolving time of up to five times faster which can result in savings on manufacturing costs and production time.

The poster evaluates the corneal tolerance of Novozymes’ HA with confocal laser screening ophthalmoscopy. The results indicate that repeated applications of formulations containing HA onto the cornea do not induce corneal lesions. In addition, the study demonstrates that Bacillus-derived HA offers superior stability during autoclaving when compared to a competitor product. The poster concludes that the high purity and biocompatibility of Novozymes’ HA, combined with its superior stability during autoclaving, makes it an ingredient of choice for formulations intended for eye care and ophthalmic drug delivery.


Ocusoft Offers Rx-only
Ocudox Convenience Kits
Ocusoft has introduced prescription-only Ocudox Convenience Kit, a revolution in the treatment of acute eyelid conditions. The Ocudox Convenience Kit contains Ocudox (doxycycline hyclate 50 mg, 60 capsules, USP), Ocusoft Lid Scrub PLUS Extra Strength Pre-Moistened Pads (30 count) and Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray (15 mL).

Ocusoft Lid Scrub PLUS Extra Strength “Leave-On” eyelid cleanser offers anti-bacterial properties to effectively eradicate seven strains of bacteria including MRSA and Staph epi. Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray is a cool, refreshing mist that is applied directly to the eyelids with the eyes closed. Utilizing patented liposome technology to deposit water and lipids as well as vitamins A, C and E, Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray provides moisture to soothe and relieve irritated eyelids. When used in conjunction with Ocusoft Lid Scrub, Tears Again advanced Liposome Spray provides additional eyelid relief throughout the day while improving the comfort of your eyes.

The Ocudox Convenience Kit with its doxycycline hyclate 50-mg strength targets acute conditions and offers 60 capsules for variable dosing as determined by the practitioner. Ocudox will complement Alodox (doxycycline hyclate 20 mg, 60 tablets), which is directed toward chronic conditions requiring longer-term therapy. For information, call 1 (800) 233-5469 or visit ocudox.com.


Ophthonix Customizes
Computer Lens
Ophthonix offers an ophthalmic lens that is customized to match a patient’s specific vision needs, which can help reduce eye strain and head-turning during computer use. Ophthonix says its iZon eFocus computer lens starts with requiring a specific intermediate prescription from the eye-care professional. Then, iZon eFocus customizes the intermediate prescription to the precise distance a patient sits from his computer screen based on an exact measurement provided by the patient. Patients who wear eyeglasses designed specifically for their individual computer needs will experience clear, crisp and comfortable vision throughout the day.

The iZon eFocus computer lens is a specially designed progressive lens that utilizes a large intermediate zone for optimal computer use, a fully usable reading zone and small distance zone. Available in thin, lightweight 1.6 index and impact-resistant polycarbonate materials, they are perfectly designed to address the typical needs of the day-to-day home or office lifestyle. For more information, call 1 (877) forizon or visit izonlens.com.


Zeiss’s MEL 80 Laser
Approved for Hyperopia
Carl Zeiss Meditec has received premarket FDA approval for the treatment of hyperopia with the MEL 80 Excimer Laser. This new indication complements the existing FDA approved applications of the surgical laser for myopia and astigmatism. 

The MEL 80 study for hyperopia included 189 patients age 22 to 69 years old, with a mean age of 47 years. A total of 369 eyes were treated. After 12 months, 148 patients, or 96.7 percent, showed uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. The MEL 80 Excimer Laser is indicated for use in primary LASIK treatments for the reduction or elimination of naturally occurring hyperopia of ≤+5.0 D with or without refractive astigmatism of >+0.5 D and ≤+3.0 D, with a maximum MRSE of +5.0 D, in patients who are 21 years of age or older with documentation of stable manifest refraction over the past year as demonstrated by change in sphere and cylinder of ≤0.5 D.

For information, visit meditec.zeiss.com.